Ernst Middendorp departure looms for Kaizer chiefs as the German has hinted to leave at the end of the season
Middendorp has hinted that he could leave Chiefs in the near future, possibly at the end of this season, according to average opinion.
The German International signed a two and half deal with Chiefs last year December, and he nearly left his post last season following his poor finish to the South Africa League season. However, the Chiefs’ trainer has opened a high account in the ABSA Premiership this season leading 10 points clear on the league log from 12 games.
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Chief boss Middendorp has also defined the real role of coaches in the ABSA Premiership this season, winning four consecutive games out of five, without conceding in the four games between September and October, but currently stands with seven straight wins for Chief.
Given his September-October magic, the German gaffer was named the best manager for the months of September and October in the ABSA Premiership yesterday.
His performance so far would have tied Middendorp to Chiefs for a longer period but the German’s recent comment has forced many to rethink about the gaffer’s future with Chiefs.
Haven asked Chiefs’ trainer about the return of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who has been out of action for close to 9 months back into his senior team, Middendorp’s response was too open for someone to cast doubt about his commitment to Chiefs in the future.
The gaffer was quoted in KickOff.com, “I watched him playing the last match [against Orlando Pirates] at Dobsonville, where he played 90 minutes and I could see with the game going into the second-half that he needs more time to recover,” said Chiefs boss.
“I like him, I absolutely think he has a lot of potential that will help us in future – [possibly] during this season even, but definitely on the medium term for Kaizer Chiefs, whoever is in charge.”
His “future” word means years above his 2 and half years contract, and his “Medium term” is interpreted to be serving a full season of his current contract- which is two and half.
From this average interpretation, it is of the opinion that Middendorp have anticipated his departure from Chief at the end of ongoing season equivalent to the beginning of next season, which he believes Nkosingiphile Ngcobo will help Kaizer Chiefs or whoever coach takes over from him by that time- at the beginning of next season.
Though this can only be a theory, a clear case of reality looms as it is believed that the German trainer still have differences to settle with management of Chiefs, and if efforts in doing so fail, Middendorp would leave the club at the end of this season.
